The club will also split its Round 20 matchday revenue with the New Zealand Spinal Fund.
The New Zealand Warriors have pledged $20,000 to fundraising efforts for injured Newcastle Knights player Alex McKinnon.
McKinnon is in a wheelchair after becoming victim to a dangerous tackle during the Knights Round 3 clash against the Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park earlier in the year.
The NRL has decided this weekends 19th round of the season will be renamed #RiseForAlex round.
Warriors CEO Wayne Scurrah said the club was committed to doing all it could to support the Newcastle forward.
“It’s an opportunity for the whole community to get in behind the #RiseForAlex cause,” he said.
“With support from our owners, the board and our players we’ve been able to make an initial donation of $20,000 and are looking to raise more through the #RiseForAlex wristbands as well as a collection when we play Manly next week.”
Warriors players have been promoting the wristbands since last week when winger Manu Vatuvei and centre Konrad Hurrell were amongst the first NRL players to to post ‘selfies’ wearing the wristbands.
Chad Townsend and David Fusitu’a both acknowledged the cause by pointing to their wrists in their post-try celebrations during the Warriors’ 48-0 win against Parramatta last Saturday Round 18 clash.
Hooker Nathan Friend will wear customised #RiseForAlex headgear which he is auctioning off, with all proceeds going towards the fund.
For the Warriors’ Round 20 game Sunday week, the club will split the matchday funds raised 50-50 with the New Zealand Spinal Trust.
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